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Show FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7,2011 7 THE SIGNPOST John Coyle stands out in XC By Derek Harrebomee correspondent I The Signpost John Coyle was recently named Big Sky Runner of the Week for the second time this season, having only run two races. Coyle, a native of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is in his third season as a Weber State University cross-country runner. Coyle also earned the conference weekly honor after the first meet of the season at Utah State University, finishing in third place overall. Recently, Coyle finished second overall at the Montana State Invitational, narrowly beating his teammate, senior AllAmerican steeplechaser Brett Hales. Coyle and Hales' efforts would lead the men's team to a firstplace finish at the 30th annual Montana State University Cross-Country Invitational, outscoring the nearest team, USU, S oc'c'er by seven points. Hales claimed that one of the reasons for Coyle's success was the friendly competition and the team's pushing of one another in the offseason. He also said that Coyle's strong work ethic has helped him achieve success. "Improvement has been the biggest thing for him this year, and our training has been a lot higher since upping the weekly mileage," Hales said. "John is definitely the hardest-working person on the team." Hales went on to say that some of his success could be attributed to Coyle, as they build off each other's successes. "Brett has been a big influence on me throughout my career," Coyle said. "When Brett runs a successful race, I do as well." Coyle finished second in the steeplechase at last year's Big Sky Outdoor Track and Field Championships, just behind Hales. This year, however, he is working toward a conference title of his own. Head Cross-Country Coach Paul Pilkington said that Coyle brings a positive attitude to the team and is a valuable member of WSU's crosscountry team. "I expect him to be in the top three runners in the conference this year," Pilkington said. "I also expect him to be conference champion and an All-American in the steeplechase in the outdoor track season." Head Track and Field Coach Daniel Walker said it was amazing to see how far Coyle has come since the time he stepped on campus as a freshman. "He struggled with races and grades early on, but came together in years to follow," Walker said. "His cross-country season is going better Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com . John Coyle leads a pack of runners in a race at the Montana State Invitational on Sept. 17. B arton continued from page 6 continued from page 6 ing future conference games. "As a team, we've put a lot of pride into playing defense, and we've played well enough to get results, but we didn't make the critical plays we needed to get those. Now we have a fresh start in conference, and I'm eager to than anyone could have predicted." Coyle said that one of the reasons he's had such a strong start to the season is because of his offseason workouts. "I had very good training here this summer," Coyle said. "I am in better shape now than I have been my whole career." Coaches as well as teammates said they have high expectations for Coyle this season. "The races so far have really been low-key, with just local and Big Sky teams, so I still have room to improve," Coyle said. "I take things one season at a time, and right now, I am cross-country-oriented and really focused on making the NCAAs." This weekend, Coyle will lead the Wildcats at the Norte Dame Invitational in South Bend, Ind. see our players move forward," Crompton said. WSU (1-0-0 Big Sky, 3-8-0 overall) improved to 9-6-1 against ISU, topping the Bengals for the secondstraight year and the third time in four seasons, while improving to 6-5-0 all-time at Davis Field. The Wildcats will return to Big Sky action on Oct. 7 in Greeley, Colo., against the University of Northern Colorado. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Comment on this story at wsusignpost. corn. tS, ludenis Welcome!? r. the heart and soul of that team. He wasn't the star, but he was the guy that kind of made that team go. He was the most competitive, compassionate player I think I've coached." One of the highlights of Barton's play career came in a 2001 game against instate rival Utah State University. Barton capped off a 20-point comeback by hitting a 21-foot jumper at the buzzer to seal a WSU win. After leaving WSU, Barton was an assistant coach at Snow College before joining the coach- ing staff at what was then the College of Eastern Utah. As an assistant coach in Price, Barton helped coach the team to a conference tournament and led them to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament, where they took third place. The following year, Barton was named interim head coach of the team. He led them to a 23-7 season and was then named head coach. Dave Paur, Utah State University Eastern athletic director, said Barton was a man of strong char- acter and cared a lot for the team he coached. Paur said that last season, Barton put off a surgery because he didn't want to miss any time with his team. "He had ruptured his Achilles tendon," Paur said. "You know how painful that can be. But he refused to get it operated on because he didn't want to miss any practices. He said, 'It's not time. I can't miss any practices with my team." Funeral services will be held in Ogden at the Dee Events Center on Saturday. Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com . Notations continued from page 6 Top of Utah Business Expo Smith Knowles 2011 Top ot Klan S ior Hie ave the Dale Business Expo which will commence on Wednesday, the 12111 day of October. M The Golden Spike Event Center Featuring -- -Tilt RIMED filIN‘• for Booth Information, please contact Kevin or David at (801)621.8300 or s an entail to: lievin@figtienWeberCh anter.com David a: His criticism of the refs isn't totally off base. Vick does take lots of hard hits. If Tom Brady or Peyton Manning took the flags, they would be flying. The fact that Vick is more mobile and plays more like a running back does mean that he takes more hits, but he is still a quarterback. He should be protected by the officials. Just this season, Vick has already suffered a concussion and an injured hand. He has probably taken more abuse and physical hits than any quarterback in the NFL. It's crazy that some would still criticize him for what he did. Was it wrong? Yes. Have others in the NFL done horrible things as well? Yes. Were they forgiven? Yes. Ray Lewis was suspected and accused of murder; Brandon Marshall is currently going through charges of domestic violence. Lawrence Taylor, who is considered by many to be one of the best linebackers in NFL history, was convicted of domestic violence and was also accused of soliciting a prostitute and having sex with a minor. Cedric Benson, who played with the Chicago Bears, was arrested and then showed he had a deep regret for getting arrested - by getting arrested again for drunk driving. At least Vick has tried to make amends and clean up the mess he made. Most of those players are still viewed in a favorable light (except for Marshall, but most NFL fans can agree that he's insane). Fans and critics need to move on over what Vick did. He has paid his price and is trying to move on in his life. He has lost tens of millions of dollars, two years of his life, and tarnished his reputation. He paid the price and is trying to move on with his life. Fans and others should give him the chance to put his past mistakes behind him. Comment on this column at wsusignpost.corn. owl Events will include: 010140( Hired Guns Semblaril Student to Busiiiess Networking Minute to Win it Games Businesi After Bow's, and ) The Ballgon Drop from the Top e ■ SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick prepares to throw a pass during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Vick has taken much criticism despite trying to put his life back together, after being released from prison. |